Flood barriers have been put up on Newcastle’s Quayside as the North East braces itself for high tides, large waves carrying debris and possible coastal flooding.

Storm Caroline will result in some large waves and higher sea levels along the region’s coast as strong winds combine with high tides, forecasters have warned.

The Environment Agency has installed 250m of flood-busting kit on the banks of the Tyne as the weather conditions create a surge.

Staff put up the temporary barriers from the Copthorne Hotel and past the Swing Bridge.

Environment Agency staff erect barriers on the Quayside to combat possible flooding in at the 6pm high tide (Image: newcastle chronicle)

The worst of the weather is expected to hit Newcastle at high tide - around 6pm on Thursday - but people are being told that the Quayside is open for business as normal and not to be alarmed.

Environment Agency spokesperson Jon Shelley said: “The high tide is coinciding with Storm Caroline coming across from the Atlantic bringing high winds and waves.

“There is a chance of localised flooding at the Quayside at some low points.

“We’re putting out our flood barriers to protect businesses and keep the Quayside open for business.”

Jamie Fletcher, from the Environment Agency in the North East, said: “We are continuing to monitor the situation and will issue flood alerts and warnings if necessary. “Communities should check their flood risk and stay up to date with the latest situation.”

Read More

Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth, Coun Ged Bell, added: “Residents and businesses can suffer serious disruption when they are flooded so I welcome the deployment of these barriers as a precautionary measure.

“We work very closely with the Environment Agency when the barriers need to be deployed along Newcastle Quayside. Residents and businesses can be assured that our plans are well rehearsed.”

Communities are also advised to stay away from coastal areas as the conditions could result in some wave overtopping.